Key takeaways:
You can score deep discounts when you buy used gym equipment.
Discounted workout equipment can often be found at local gyms, thrift stores, and yard sales.
You can also purchase refurbished equipment online and have it shipped to you. Some retailers offer free shipping and help with installation.
Your best bet for buying discount gym equipment is finding used items. You can save a lot of money by purchasing previously owned equipment. Shop around to locate deals in your community and online. Many retailers will ship used gym equipment nationwide — and some offer free shipping. You also can check local gyms, yard sales, and thrift stores to find gym equipment at bargain prices.
There are many online sources for discount gym equipment. You can find deep discounts on sites like Ebay by searching for used gym equipment. Also search for sites that sell refurbished equipment — such as weights sets — as well as remanufactured machines, such as treadmills.
You might have used sporting goods stores near you that sell discount gym equipment. Also, check out these options:
Resale and thrift stores
Estate and garage sales
Local gyms
Facebook Marketplace in your local area
Is the used gym equipment in good shape? Safety should always be your first priority. Check to be sure your purchase operates safely and has little wear and tear. If possible, test the equipment before you buy. If a personal tryout is not possible, request a video of the item being used so that you can see it working correctly.
Does it have a warranty? Reputable resellers usually offer a warranty on parts and labor for refurbished machines. Sometimes there is an extended warranty offered on used equipment. This is typically not an option when you purchased from a thrift store or directly from a previous owner.
Is there a delivery fee? Shipping large gym equipment can be expensive, but some companies offer free delivery. Consider the price of delivery when calculating your costs. If you find discounted gym equipment locally, you may be able to arrange transportation yourself and avoid delivery charges.
What are the installation options? Some companies offer free curbside delivery or even free installation. Will your equipment be shipped in pieces you will need to assemble? Can you safely put it together?
Is there a better deal elsewhere? Prices can vary and there’s more to consider than the price of the equipment itself. Consider shipping and installation costs when comparing prices. A local, assembled product that you can test and transport home may be a better deal than free shipping on an item you’d be buying sight-unseen.
The type of home gym equipment that will be best for you depends on your fitness goals. Someone who wants to start bulking up for a competition will need different equipment than someone who has been in a car wreck and is rebuilding from an injury.
Equipment you enjoy using when visiting a gym may be a good choice for your home. You will be more likely to use it regularly.
If you have a large amount of space you can dedicate to a home gym, you might want to consider buying specialty machines that isolate specific muscle groups. If you have very little space, you could purchase a multipurpose machine, which lets you work all your major muscle groups with one piece of equipment.
Also, keep in mind that you can get a great workout at home with no equipment at all.
Yes, you can lease gym equipment. You also can get rent-to-own gym equipment. Contact local gyms near you to find out if they rent gym equipment.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider when purchasing discount gym equipment:
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Health insurance typically does not cover the cost of home gym equipment, but some health insurance plans cover gym memberships.
Gym equipment is not typically an authorized expense for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). However, there is an exception if you have a doctor’s order saying you need to use a specific piece of gym equipment to treat an illness or injury. For exercise equipment to be eligible for HSA or FSA spending, you often need a letter of medical need (LOMN) — which is also called a letter of medical necessity (LMN).
Your best bet for buying discount gym equipment is to find used items. Previously owned gym equipment is available from national retailers and online. You also may be able to find these items at thrift stores, yard sales, or local gyms. Purchasing discount gym equipment online can provide significant savings. Some online purchases come with free shipping. Be cautious when ordering online, because you may need help assembling or installing your equipment. In some cases, your HSA or FSA may cover the cost of gym equipment.